Cancer Charity kicks off festive fundraising appeal with help of former patient and her miracle children

15th November 2016

The dedicated charity for the region's specialist cancer centre is once again appealing to local people to make a special Christmas donation to improve the future of cancer care across the region.

Now in its fourth year the Weston Park Cancer Charity 'Christmas Star Appeal' is a firm favourite with charity supporters and sees members of the pubic make a donation to fund the vital work of the charity in return for a special star to hang on their own Christmas tree at home. Weston Park Cancer Charity is the only dedicated charity for Weston Park Hospital and exists to support the world-class cancer research and to improve the treatment and care for people living with cancer. This year's appeal, which is again being generously sponsored by Napoleons Casino, is being supported by former patient Jenna McGregor (31) from Mansfield. When Jenna was just 23 years old she was diagnosed with Gestational Trophoblastic Disease, a cancer which grows inside the uterus. In total shock, Jenna was put under the care of Weston Park Hospital, which is one of only two specialist centres in England to treat this rare disease. Following nine months of care and treatment Jenna recovered well, however she was told the devastating news that it was unlikely she would be able to have children of her own in the future. Jenna said -Having cancer at such a young age and hearing the news that as a result of my illness I might not be able to have children was incredibly difficult to deal with. It was a hard time in my life but knowing I was being cared for by such a specialist hospital and such dedicated staff really did help. Now eight years on from her diagnosis, Jenna has defied the odds and has two children, Rae aged 5 and Reed age 4. Preparing for Christmas with her family and looking forward to a fun- filled festive season, Jenna knows how lucky she is and is determined to support Weston Park Cancer Charity so she can help other cancer patients in the future fulfil their dreams. Last year's Christmas Star Appeal raised nearly £30,000 and was supported by over 900 people and organisations across the Sheffield City region. Weston Park Cancer Charity relies on the funds raised by the appeal to invest in ground- breaking cancer research and improve the care and support services available to local cancer patients. Weston Park Hospital is one of only a handful of specialist cancer hospitals in England and treats patients from all over South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and North Derbyshire a population of almost 1.8million people. The charity needs to raise over £2 million this year to enable the funding of committed and new projects that will keep patients at the forefront of cancer treatment. In recognition of all donations received in support of The Christmas Star Appeal, the cancer charity will be sending out silver star decorations for people to hang on their Christmas Tree at home, a small thank you from the charity and a reminder over the busy festive season of the positive difference they have chosen to make by generously donating to the appeal. The charity hope that come Christmas Day hundreds of people will have one of these special stars proudly hanging on their tree. Charity Fundraising Manager, Helen Gentle said, -Thanks to the great strides that have been made in cancer care and treatment, in large part funded by charitable donations, there will be many families, like Jenna's who will be preparing to spend a happy Christmas together. Sadly we also know that this Christmas there will be empty chairs at some dinner tables across our region and families who will be missing a loved one -We hope that members of the public will get behind our appeal as they have in the past so we can raise funds to create a better life for cancer patients and keep more families together for longer Donations to the appeal can be made online at www.christmasstarappeal.org.uk or by contacting the charity office on 01142265370. To find out more about the work of Weston Park Cancer Charity visit: www.wphcc.org.uk